Gamecocks Succeed In the Classroom

June 11, 2009

University of South Carolina student-athletes saw a continued upward trend in the classroom, as the athletics department released its Spring 2009 academic report today. For the fifth consecutive semester the mean grade point average (GPA) for Carolina student-athletes eclipsed the 3.0 mark with a 3.137 semester GPA, while a record 15 of 17 athletics teams surpassed the 3.0 standard.

The women’s swimming and diving squad earned recognition as the department’s GPA leader with a 3.505. McGee Moody’s team had seven members named to the President’s List, 10 named to the Dean’s List, and 26 named to the Athletics Director’s Honor Roll. Men’s golf followed closely with a 3.498 GPA, and women’s golf concluded the term with a 3.495 GPA.

Men’s basketball enjoyed one of its best academic years in history. The team earned its highest GPA on record (3.007) this spring after posting its second highest GPA in the fall. Two other teams, football and men’s soccer, posted its highest grade point averages on record. Steve Spurrier’s squad (2.669) improved on its previous best mark (2.630), while Mark Berson’s team (3.369) topped its previous high (3.334). In addition, equestrian earned its second-highest GPA on record (3.457), while baseball enjoyed its highest in-season mark (3.100).

“We demand a lot from our student-athletes, and they have delivered,” said University President Harris Pastides. “These outstanding numbers are a tremendous testament to them, as well as to our coaches and support staff, all of whom should be lauded for upholding scholastic excellence while overcoming the significant commitments of time and energy required to perform at such a high level athletically.”

As a whole, fifty student-athletes were named to the President’s List, 125 to the Dean’s List and 297 named to the Athletics Director’s Honor Roll.

“Dr. Pastides frequently speaks of the athletics teams at the University of South Carolina serving as the front porch of the University, and that athletics and academics are not exclusive,” said Raymond Harrison Jr., Director of Academics and Life Skills. “We appreciate and respect the statement and hold it in high regard. I am so proud of the way our student-athletes have continued to honor their academic responsibilities while simultaneously experiencing a great deal of success athletically. The accomplishments from this semester are a reflection of a collaborative effort by the academic staff, coaching staffs, and administration in emphasizing the importance of education and accountability.”

TEAM GRADE POINT AVERAGES (Spring 2009)

Baseball 3.100

Men’s Basketball 3.007*

Women’s Basketball 2.716

Equestrian 3.457

Football 2.669*

Men’s Golf 3.498

Women’s Golf 3.495

Men’s Soccer 3.369*

Women’s Soccer 3.363

Softball 3.314

Men’s Swimming & Diving 3.084